FAFSA Checklist

Your Guide to Unlocking Federal Student Aid

This checklist simplifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, helping you secure grants like the Pell Grant (up to $7,395 for 2025-26). Print this visually engaging guide to stay organized and maximize your aid.

Download or print this guide

📋 Documents to Gather

Collect these items before starting your FAFSA to breeze through the application. Check each box as you go!

• Social Security Numbers (or Alien Registration Number) for student and parents
• 2023 or 2024 Tax Returns for student and parents
• W-2 Forms and other income records (e.g., unemployment, child support)
• Bank Statements and investment records (e.g., 529 plans, stocks)
• Untaxed Income Records (e.g., veterans’ benefits)
• FSA ID for student and one parent (create at studentaid.gov/fsa-id)

🚀 6 Steps to FAFSA Success

Follow these steps to file your FAFSA and secure aid. Bolded deadlines and resources keep you on track.

1. Create FSA ID

Action: Sign up at studentaid.gov/fsa-id for student and one parent.

Why it matters: Your digital signature for FAFSA. Takes 1-3 days to activate.

2. Gather Documents

Action: Use the checklist above to collect all items.

Why it matters: Ensures accuracy and speeds up filing.

3. File by Oct 1

Action: Submit at studentaid.gov starting October 1.

Why it matters: Early filing maximizes grant eligibility.

4. Check SAR

Action: Review your Student Aid Report for errors after submission.

Why it matters: Correct mistakes to avoid aid delays.

5. Meet Deadlines

Action: FAFSA closes on June 30.

Why it matters: Missing deadlines can reduce aid.

6. Reapply Yearly

Action: File a new FAFSA each year to maintain aid.

Why it matters: Keeps grants like Pell flowing.

Pro Tip: Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool in FAFSA to auto-fill tax info and save time.

⭐ Top 5 Tips for Maximizing Aid

Make your FAFSA experience smooth and effective with these quick tips.

• File Early: Apply in October or November for the best shot at need-based grants.
• Double-Check Data: Accurate financial info prevents delays and maximizes aid.
• Explore More Grants: Find state and field-specific grants at tuitioncovered.com/grants.
• Talk to Your College: Contact the financial aid office for personalized help.
• Stay Organized: Keep a digital or physical folder for all FAFSA documents.

Why FAFSA Matters

Filing the FAFSA unlocks billions in federal aid, including $31.4 billion in Pell Grants annually. In 2023-24, students received an average of $16,360 in grants. Start early, stay organized, and let Tuition Covered guide you to a debt-free degree!